Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Reelected as Ranking Member of Committee

(Washington, DC) -Today, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) was elected by her colleagues in the Democratic Caucus to remain Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for the 113th Congress.

Ranking Member Johnson said the following:

“I am honored to continue our work at the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. I stand eager to continue to work with my colleagues on the Committee to help rebuild our nation’s economy through the enhancement of STEM education, continued support for scientific innovation, and the creation of hi-tech jobs. Both basic and applied scientific research have significantly enhance our standard of living, fostered new innovative industries, and retained our nations’ global competitiveness. I will work tirelessly to advance these issues in the best interest of our nation. There is much work to be done in the 113th Congress. The America COMPETES Act, which helps maintain and enhance America’s competitiveness by supporting education and innovation, is up for reauthorization. In addition, we will need to reaffirm our commitment to a robust program of science, aeronautics, exploration, and human spaceflight as we reauthorize NASA. Finally, the Committee’s jurisdiction encompasses a number of challenges that the country is currently facing such as climate change, severe weather and other hazards, a growing need for clean energy, and the importance of revitalizing our manufacturing sector. I look forward to working with incoming Chairman Smith to help address these and other important issues. I sincerely hope that this Committee will be able to work on a bipartisan basis to look at how we can grow new sectors of the U.S. economy, prepare our children for the jobs of the future, and ensure our long-term competitiveness.”

Ms. Johnson was first elected Ranking Member in December 2010, becoming the first African-American and the first female Ranking Member of the Committee. She joined the Science, Space, and Technology Committee as a freshman in 1993.

Committee Members are expected to be assigned in January.